The choice between a walk-in shower and a bathtub depends on space, accessibility needs, and how the bathroom is used daily.
Walk-in showers suit accessible and compact bathrooms, while bathtubs add comfort and family appeal when space allows.
What this guide covers:
- Practical differences between showers and a bathtub
- Pros and cons of each option
- Space and accessibility considerations
- How the choice affects long-term usability
- What to prioritise during renovation planning
Choosing between a shower and a bath is one of the biggest decisions in any bathroom renovation. The walk-in shower vs bathtub question isn’t about right or wrong — it’s about how the bathroom will actually be used day to day.
Some homes benefit from a spacious, accessible shower. Others still rely on a bathtub for family use or relaxation. From our perspective, the best choice is always the one that suits the household, the space, and how the bathroom fits into the wider home. That’s why this decision is always considered carefully as part of our bathroom renovations, not treated as a last-minute fixture choice.
Why This Choice Matters More Than People Expect
The shower-versus-bath decision shapes the entire layout.
Once it’s installed, changing it later is costly.
Fixtures affect circulation, storage, cleaning, and accessibility. That’s why this decision is usually made early, alongside layout and joinery planning, rather than being left until the end.
Walk-In Showers: When They Make the Most Sense
Walk-in showers are popular for good reason.
They suit modern living and a wide range of homes.
Space Efficiency in Smaller Bathrooms
In compact bathrooms, walk-in showers often function better than tubs. They take up less floor area, allow clearer circulation, and make the space feel more open.
This is why showers are commonly recommended in small bathroom renovations, where every centimetre matters.
Accessibility and Ease of Use
A step-free accessible shower improves safety and usability for people of all ages. Features like level entries, grab rails, and wider clearances make bathrooms easier to use long-term.
These considerations often form part of disability-friendly bathrooms, where layout and fixture choices support independence without feeling clinical.
Bathtubs: Where They Still Add Value
Bathtubs haven’t disappeared.
They still play an important role in many homes.
Relaxation and Spa-Like Use
A bath offers a slower, more relaxing experience that showers can’t replicate. For some households, it’s an essential way to unwind rather than a decorative feature.
This spa-style appeal overlaps with ideas explored in our luxury bathroom renovations, where comfort and experience are central to the design.
Family and Child-Friendly Bathrooms
Homes with young children often benefit from at least one bathtub. Bathtubs make washing easier and can be more practical than showers during the early years.
In these cases, tubs are often prioritised in main bathrooms, while en-suites may lean toward showers instead.
Weighing Up Showers and Bathtubs
There’s no universal answer.
Each option comes with trade-offs that depend on context.
Walk-In Shower Pros and Cons
Walk-in showers are easier to access, quicker to clean, and more space-efficient. They suit busy households, downsizers, and anyone planning to stay in their home long term.
The trade-off is that showers don’t offer the same relaxation or versatility as a bath, particularly for families or people who value soaking.
Bathtub Pros and Cons
Bathtubs offer comfort, flexibility, and broad appeal in family homes. They can also be a strong selling point in certain markets.
However, tubs take up more space, use more water per use, and aren’t always practical for everyday routines — especially in smaller bathrooms.
Storage and Layout Considerations
Fixtures don’t exist in isolation.
They affect everything around them.
Choosing a shower instead of a tub can free up wall space for storage or larger vanities. This is often addressed through thoughtful bathroom storage solutions, where layout and cabinetry work together to keep the space uncluttered.
With bathtubs, surrounding storage and circulation need to be planned carefully to avoid cramped layouts.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Long-Term Use
Daily upkeep matters more than people expect.
Fixtures that are hard to clean quickly become frustrating.
Walk-in showers with simple detailing and good drainage are often easier to maintain. Bathtubs may require more cleaning around edges and fittings, especially in tighter spaces.
Good planning helps minimise these issues regardless of which option is chosen.
Accessibility Over the Long Term
Even if accessibility isn’t a priority now, it often becomes one later.
Future-proofing matters.
Many homeowners choose walk-in showers to support ageing in place. Others include at least one accessible bathroom while keeping a tub elsewhere in the home.
These decisions often intersect with broader bathroom renovation planning, where long-term usability is considered alongside immediate needs.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
The best choice depends on how the bathroom fits into the house.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Some homes benefit from a shower-only bathroom. Others work best with a mix — a bath in the main bathroom and a shower in the ensuite. What matters most is that the layout supports how the household actually lives.
Planning a Bathroom Renovation?
If you’re weighing up a walk-in shower or bathtub, the most important step is understanding how the space will be used now and in the future.
If you’d like to talk it through, contact us to discuss layout options, accessibility considerations, and how showers or bathtubs can be integrated into your bathroom renovation. The right decision is the one that works for your home — not just what’s trending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a walk-in shower better for small bathrooms?
Often, yes. Showers usually use space more efficiently.
Do bathtubs add value to a home?
In family homes, they often do — especially when there’s at least one bath available.
Are walk-in showers more accessible?
Yes. Step-free designs improve safety and ease of use.
Can you have both a shower and a bath?
In larger bathrooms, yes. Layout and circulation need to be planned carefully.
When should this decision be made?
As early as possible, during layout and fixture planning.